Cheesecake Factory debuts Asian fast casual concept

The chain is pausing development on its RockSugar and Grand Lux Cafe concepts to focus on newly launched Social Monk, which marks the company's first venture outside casual dining.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 25, 2019

IHOP franchises to pay $700k, create HR department after sex harassment suit

When workers come to a manager, a supervisor or HR with a complaint, it generally benefits the employer if that complaint is handled with care.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 25, 2019

Shift Change: Shake Shack beefs up c-suite; PDQ adds first CMO

The latest installment of Shift Change highlights executive changes at Shake Shack, PDQ, REGO Restaurant Groups and Wendy's.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 22, 2019

Restaurants save $7 for each $1 invested in cutting food waste, report shows

Businesses that scaled back food production, placed smaller orders and upcycled excess food into new meals could reduce waste by 26% after one year, the study found. 

By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 22, 2019

Shake Shack hires first CIO to oversee 'all aspects of technology'

CIO Dave Harris' experience in reservation and POS systems, loyalty programs and consumer websites, will pair him closely with new CMO Jay Livingston.

By Samantha Schwartz • Feb. 21, 2019

Starbucks' newest Bali location showcases coffee farming

The coffee chain's largest location in Southeast Asia highlights its sustainability and ethical farming practices, which have become increasingly important due to coffee's growing environmental and economic impacts. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 20, 2019

Long John Silver's turnaround plan comes with corporate layoffs

The 20 positions cut last week at its headquarters marks the latest struggle for the seafood chain amid several years of sales decline.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 19, 2019

Wendy's $50M cyberattack settlement signals growing threat to QSRs

The chain's latest lawsuit reveals how costly cyberattacks can be for restaurants, which are facing hacks to POS systems and loyalty programs.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2019

Shift Change: Shake Shack, REGO Restaurant add senior marketing execs

This week, this Restaurant Dive series also highlights new executives at Bloomin' Brands, Waitr, Bojangles' and Fazoli's.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 15, 2019

Jury awards KFC employee $1.5M for non-private lactation room

The office in which the plaintiff was permitted to pump allegedly had a window through which co-workers watched her.

By Morgan Fecto • Feb. 15, 2019

Mexican chains jump on the plant-based bandwagon

Though burger joints have been behind the majority of vegetarian innovations in the QSR space, Mexican restaurants like Qdoba Mexican Eats and Moe's Southwest Grill are responding to the trend by adding meatless options. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 13, 2019

McDonald's rolls out Donut Sticks amid lackluster breakfast traffic

Growing QSR competition in the morning daypart and the chain's all-day breakfast menu may be undercutting the morning rush, but LTOs may not be enough to make sales rise and shine. 

By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 13, 2019

Chipotle offers behind-the-scenes look at its kitchens in new campaign

As part of "Behind the Foil," the chain broadcast live its food prep on Facebook from a restaurant in California. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 12, 2019

DoorDash tops $7B valuation with new funding

The delivery company has raised $400 million, which could boost its market position as rivals Uber and Postmates seek IPOs.

By Julie Littman • Updated Feb. 22, 2019

Starbucks Canada pledges to donate 100% of leftover food

The company has partnered with food rescue organization Second Harvest to donate perishable items like yogurt and milk alongside pastries and breads, a move that could further boost the coffee giant's brand halo. 

By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 11, 2019

Chipotle's supply chain turnaround is in full effect

In addition to a revamped supply chain team, the franchise has increased the frequency of food safety training and updated cooking and preparation procedures.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 11, 2019

Hy-Vee's CEO on growing and experimenting in the Midwest

Randy Edeker talks about the future of its Market Grille restaurant and Wahlburgers partnership, e-commerce and the company's latest store formats.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 11, 2019

KFC readies Valentine's Day contest on Reddit with Colonel-inspired rug

Customers can post KFC-themed artwork on Reddit to win a date-night package including the rug, fried chicken pajamas, gift cards and subscription to an online streaming service.

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 8, 2019

Yum Brands hunts for global leader to build digital, tech strategy

Technology is "increasingly at the forefront of our strategic planning efforts" and stands as one of the four "growth drivers" for the parent company of Pizza Hut and KFC, said CEO Greg Creed.

By Samantha Schwartz • Feb. 8, 2019

RAVE's sales boosted by legacy Pizza Inn buffet concept

The parent company's Pie Five chain, however, saw sales fall 3.6% in its second quarter, and its store count has dropped from 100 to 65 in two years. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 7, 2019

FAT Brands heads to India

The company will bring 60 co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo's Express stores to the country, joining several QSR brands looking beyond the U.S. for growth. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2019

Chick-fil-A leads QSR space in loyalty, survey says

As the fast food segment continues to anchor its offerings around speed and convenience, the chicken chain is piquing consumer interest through strategic limitations and quality experience.

By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 6, 2019

Buffalo Wild Wings to pay $30K after refusing to hire male bartenders

An EEOC official said that employers must realize that no person, male or female, can be denied employment based on sex.

By Lisa Burden • Feb. 4, 2019

Starboard CEO to lead Papa John's board in $200M deal

Despite former CEO John Schnatter voting against the deal, the new investor — known for its coup at Darden Restaurants — will reportedly focus on investing in the brand rather than cost cutting.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Alicia Kelso • Feb. 4, 2019

Shift Change: Yum Brands names new COO; Bojangles' hires former McDonald's execs

This series from Restaurant Dive highlights promotions and executive changes at top chains. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 1, 2019